Garment including an elastomeric composite laminate

ABSTRACT

A garment including an elastomeric composite laminate around one or more openings for the legs, arms, waist, neck, or the like of a wearer. The garment includes a substrate defining the one or more openings, and an elastomeric composite laminate attached to the substrate adjacent the one or more openings. The elastomeric composite laminate includes reinforcement strands incorporated into an elastomeric adhesive film. In one embodiment, the garment is a pant-like garment with the elastomeric composite laminate adjacent each of the leg openings.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/187,761 filed Jul. 2, 2002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention is directed to garments having a strand-reinforcedelastomeric adhesive film laminate adjacent one or more openings of thegarment.

[0003] Personal care garments often include elasticized portions tocreate a gasket-like fit around certain openings, such as waist openingsand leg openings. Multiple elastic strands can be attached to theopenings to provide fit and comfort and to prevent leakage.Alternatively, elastic laminates can be used in the manufacture of suchgarments to avoid complicated elastic attachment steps during thegarment manufacturing process.

[0004] One type of elastomeric laminate is a stretch-bonded laminatethat includes elastic strands produced from an extruder and bonded to afacing sheet or sheets using a hot melt adhesive. Laminates includingpre-made elastic strands can be processed online but require an elasticattachment adhesive with high add-on in order to reduce strand slippage.The cost of making stretch-bonded laminates can be relatively high dueto the cost of the facing sheet or sheets, plus the cost of the elasticstrands, plus the cost of the adhesive.

[0005] Another type of elastomeric laminate can be made using a verticalfilament laminate-stretch-bonded laminate (VFL-SBL) process. However,the VFL-SBL process must be in off-line operation due to processcomplexity.

[0006] One drawback associated with conventional elastic strands andelastic laminates around garment openings are leakage and fit problems,particularly around leg openings when the garment is loaded. Suchproblems result from weakening tension or uneven tension distribution ofthe leg elastics. More specifically, elastic tension is weakened duringwearing because of strand relaxation and strand slippage at elevatedtemperatures. To prevent leakage, tension of the leg elastics can beincreased by increasing the number of strands or by using a high denierof strands at a higher stretching ratio. However, an increase in legelastic tension is likely to cause a “red mark” on a wearer's skinbecause tension of the garment is actually concentrated on the narrowsurface of the strand instead of the whole elastic laminate. Plus, thetension on the conventional elastic laminate can not be transported ordistributed uniformly during use especially when legs are moving. Also,current elastic strand-based laminates cannot be die-cut to curve andfit the body exactly. Making curved elastic strand laminates in ahigh-speed assembly process requires very complex and precise controlwhich is associated with large capital investment.

[0007] Elastomeric adhesive compositions are multifunctional in thesense that they function as an elastomer in a nonwoven composite whilealso serving as a hot melt adhesive for bonding substrates. Elastomericadhesive compositions in the form of elastomeric adhesive films arecurrently recognized as suitable for use in the manufacture of personalcare articles. More particularly, elastomeric adhesive compositions canbe used to bond facing materials, such as spunbond, to one another whilesimultaneously elasticizing the resulting laminate. The resultinglaminate can be used to form an elastomeric portion of an absorbentarticle, such as a region surrounding a waist opening and/or a legopening.

[0008] Non-woven elastic adhesive film laminates may require high outputof adhesive add-on to achieve a tension target for product application.High add-on of the film laminate may generate a bulky, thick feel andappearance, and high cost. Furthermore, the high adhesive outputrequirement for the film formation would make on-line processing evenmore difficult due to the limitation of hot melt equipment outputcapacity. Also, such film lamination processes are relatively complexand need more precise control than strand lamination since a film edgethinning effect may cause the film to break during stretching.

[0009] Some elastomeric adhesive compositions lose their adhesivenesswhen the compositions are stretched and then bonded between two nonwovensubstrates. The elasticity of these elastomeric adhesive compositions(in terms of tension decay) is negatively affected when laminatesincluding the compositions are aged at elevated temperatures, forexample around 130 degrees Fahrenheit, which is commonly experiencedunder hot boxcar storage conditions. It appears that the poor tensionand adhesion of such elastomeric adhesive compositions results from thechosen base polymer, tackifier, and plasticizer chemistries as well asthe unbalanced ratio of polymer to low molecular weight species in theformulation.

[0010] There is a need or desire for an elastomeric laminate that can beused to create elasticized portions of a personal care garment, whereinthe laminate does not display high tension decay or delamination. Thereis a further need or desire for a personal care garment includingelasticized portions that possess a soft feel and comfortable fit, whileproviding adjustable tension to minimize leakage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] In response to the discussed difficulties and problemsencountered in the prior art, a new garment including astrand-reinforced elastomeric adhesive film laminate has beendiscovered.

[0012] The garment of the invention includes one or more openings for abody part such as, for example, a neck opening, a wrist opening, an armopening, a waist opening, a leg opening, and/or an ankle opening. Thegarment includes a substrate that defines the opening or openings, withan elastomeric composite laminate attached to the substrate adjacent theopening or openings. The elastomeric composite laminate is used in placeof conventional elastic strands or elastic laminates to provide betterfit and comfort, less leakage and more tension control for disposablegarment applications.

[0013] The elastomeric composite laminate is made up of a combination ofextruded reinforcing strands and elastomeric adhesive film. The strandsmay be adhered to, and possibly even partially or wholly embedded in,the elastomeric adhesive film. One surface of the laminate can beattached to the substrate while the other surface of the laminate mayinclude a layer of spunbond or other facing material. Alternatively, afacing material can be laminated along both surfaces of the film priorto attaching the laminate to the substrate. The combination ofreinforcing strands and the elastomeric adhesive film significantly andadvantageously reduces the rate and extent of tension decay during wear,as well as improving adhesion properties of the spunbond laminatescompared to spunbond laminates including elastomeric adhesive filmwithout reinforcing strands. Additionally, the tension on theelastomeric composite laminate is distributed evenly across the width ofthe laminate instead of being concentrated only on the strands, thusreducing or eliminating red marking and providing a better fit.Furthermore, the reinforcing strands enable the composite tension to betunable while preserving the soft feel and aesthetic properties of thelaminate. Tuning can be achieved by adjusting the output of the strandor film add-on, adjusting the stretching ratio, selection of substrates,as well as polymer formulas. Another benefit of using the elastomericcomposite laminate rather than conventional elastics is that thelaminate can be die-cut into any shape for better fit and comfortwithout losing tension.

[0014] The garment of the invention may be a personal care garment,medical garment, industrial workwear garment, or the like. In oneembodiment, the garment is a pant-like garment with a chassis includinga substrate. The chassis defines a waist opening and two leg openings.The elastomeric composite laminate is attached to the substrate adjacenteach of the leg openings.

[0015] With the foregoing in mind, it is a feature and advantage of theinvention to provide a garment having a strand-reinforced elastomericadhesive film laminate around one or more openings of the garment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a garment having an elasticcomposite laminate around the leg openings and waist opening.

[0017]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a medical garment having anelastic composite laminate around the neck opening and the wristopenings.

[0018]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an industrial workwear garmenthaving an elastic composite laminate around the neck opening and the armopenings.

[0019]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an industrial workwear garmenthaving an elastic composite laminate around the waist opening and theankle openings.

[0020]FIG. 5 is a plan view of an elastic composite as used in thegarment of the invention.

[0021]FIG. 6 is a plan view of another embodiment of an elasticcomposite suitable for use in the garment of the invention.

[0022]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 5,of another embodiment of an elastic composite suitable for use in thegarment of the invention.

[0023]FIG. 8 is a plan view of an elastic composite laminate suitablefor use in the garment of the invention.

[0024]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8,of another embodiment of an elastic composite laminate suitable for usein the garment of the invention.

[0025]FIG. 10 illustrates a representative process for making theelastic composites and elastic composite laminates applied to thegarment of the invention.

[0026]FIG. 11 is a schematic view of another process for making theelastic composites and elastic composite laminates applied to thegarment of the invention.

DEFINITIONS

[0027] Within the context of this specification, each term or phrasebelow will include the following meaning or meanings.

[0028] “Bonded” refers to the joining, adhering, connecting, attaching,or the like, of at least-two elements. Two elements will be consideredto be bonded together when they are bonded directly to one another orindirectly to one another, such as when each is directly bonded tointermediate elements.

[0029] “Elastic tension” refers to the amount of force per unit widthrequired to stretch an elastic material (or a selected zone thereof) toa given percent elongation.

[0030] “Elastomeric” and “elastic” are used interchangeably to refer toa material or composite that is generally capable of recovering itsshape after deformation when the deforming force is removed.Specifically, as used herein, elastic or elastomeric is meant to be thatproperty of any material which, upon application of a biasing force,permits the material to be stretchable to a stretched biased lengthwhich is at least about 50 percent greater than its relaxed unbiasedlength, and that will cause the material to recover at least 40 percentof its elongation upon release of the stretching force. A hypotheticalexample which would satisfy this definition of an elastomeric materialwould be a one (1) inch sample of a material which is elongatable to atleast 1.50 inches and which, upon being elongated to 1.50 inches andreleased, will recover to a length of less than 1.30 inches. Manyelastic materials may be stretched by much more than 50 percent of theirrelaxed length, and many of these will recover to substantially theiroriginal relaxed length upon release of the stretching force.

[0031] “Elongation” refers to the capability of an elastic material tobe stretched a certain distance, such that greater elongation refers toan elastic material capable of being stretched a greater distance thanan elastic material having lower elongation.

[0032] “Extruded” refers to a material that is processed through anextrusion die or a slot coat die connected to an extruder or a melttank.

[0033] “Film” refers to a thermoplastic film made using a film extrusionprocess, such as a cast film or blown film extrusion process. The termincludes apertured films, slit films, and other porous films whichconstitute liquid transfer films, as well as films which do not transferliquid.

[0034] “Garment” includes personal care garments, medical garments, andthe like. The term “disposable garment” includes garments which aretypically disposed of after 1-5 uses. The term “personal care garment”includes diapers, training pants, swim wear, absorbent underpants, adultincontinence products, feminine hygiene products, and the like. The term“medical garment” includes medical (i.e., protective and/or surgical)gowns, caps, gloves, drapes, face masks, and the like. The term“industrial workwear garment” includes laboratory coats, cover-alls, andthe like.

[0035] “Layer” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of asingle element or a plurality of elements.

[0036] “Meltblown fiber” refers to fibers formed by extruding a moltenthermoplastic material through a plurality of fine, usually circular,die capillaries as molten threads or filaments into converging highvelocity gas (e.g., air) streams which attenuate the filaments of moltenthermoplastic material to reduce their diameter, which may be tomicrofiber diameter. Thereafter, the meltblown fibers are carried by thehigh velocity gas stream and are deposited on a collecting surface toform a web of randomly dispersed meltblown fibers. Such a process isdisclosed for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,849,241 to Butin et al.Meltblown fibers are microfibers which may be continuous ordiscontinuous, are generally smaller than about 0.6 denier, and aregenerally self bonding when deposited onto a collecting surface.

[0037] “Nonwoven” and “nonwoven web” refer to materials and webs ofmaterial having a structure of individual fibers or filaments which areinterlaid, but not in an identifiable manner as in a knitted fabric. Theterms “fiber” and “filament” are used herein interchangeably. Nonwovenfabrics or webs have been formed from many processes such as, forexample, meltblowing processes, spunbonding processes, air layingprocesses, and bonded carded web processes. The basis weight of nonwovenfabrics is usually expressed in ounces of material per square yard (osy)or grams per square meter (gsm) and the fiber diameters are usuallyexpressed in microns. (Note that to convert from osy to gsm, multiplyosy by 33.91.)

[0038] “Polymers” include, but are not limited to, homopolymers,copolymers, such as for example, block, graft, random and alternatingcopolymers, terpolymers, etc. and blends and modifications thereof.Furthermore, unless otherwise specifically limited, the term “polymer”shall include all possible geometrical configurations of the material.These configurations include, but are not limited to isotactic,syndiotactic and atactic symmetries.

[0039] “Spunbond fiber” refers to small diameter fibers which are formedby extruding molten thermoplastic material as filaments from a pluralityof fine capillaries of a spinnerette having a circular or otherconfiguration, with the diameter of the extruded filaments then beingrapidly reduced as taught, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,340,563 toAppel et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 3,692,618 to Dorschner et al., U.S. Pat.No. 3,802,817 to Matsuki et al., U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,338,992 and 3,341,394to Kinney, U.S. Pat. No. 3,502,763 to Hartmann, U.S. Pat. No. 3,502,538to Petersen, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,542,615 to Dobo et al., each of whichis incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Spunbond fibers arequenched and generally not tacky when they are deposited onto acollecting surface. Spunbond fibers are generally continuous and oftenhave average deniers larger than about 0.3, more particularly, betweenabout 0.6 and 10.

[0040] “Strand” refers to an article of manufacture whose width is lessthan a film and is suitable for incorporating into a film, according tothe present invention.

[0041] “Stretchable” means that a material can be stretched, withoutbreaking, by at least 50% (to at least 150% of its initial (unstretched)length) in at least one direction, suitably by at least 100% (to atleast 200% of its initial length), desirably by at least 150% (to atleast 250% of its initial length). The term includes elastic materialsas well as materials that stretch but do not significantly retract. Thepercentage stretch of strands and films is calculated by the percentagedifference between a primary chill roll speed and a final nip rollspeed. For example, in FIG. 10, if the first chill roller 42 is runningat a speed of x and the nip rollers 58 and 60 are running at a speed of6×, the strands and/or film being stretched between the first chillroller 42 and the nip rollers 58, 60 are being stretched to 500%.

[0042] “Thermoplastic” describes a material that softens and flows whenexposed to heat and which substantially returns to a nonsoftenedcondition when cooled to room temperature.

[0043] “Thermoset” describes a material that is capable of becomingpermanently cross-linked, and the physical form of the material cannotbe changed by heat without the breakdown of chemical bonds.

[0044] “Vertical filament stretch-bonded laminate” or “VF SBL” refers toa stretch-bonded laminate made using a continuous vertical filamentprocess, as described herein.

[0045] These terms may be defined with additional language in theremaining portions of the specification.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0046] The present invention is directed to a garment 100 having one ormore elasticized openings. The opening or openings may include a neckopening 102, a wrist opening 104, an arm opening 106, a waist opening108, a leg opening 110, and/or an ankle opening 112, as shown in FIGS.1-4. The opening or openings include an elastic composite laminate 30attached to a substrate 34 of the garment 100 around, or adjacent, theopening. The elastic composite laminate 30 provides superior elastic andadhesion properties.

[0047] The garment 100 of the invention may be a personal care garment114 (FIG. 1), medical garment 116 (FIG. 2), industrial workwear garment118 (FIGS. 3 and 4), or the like. More particularly, the garment 100 maybe a diaper, training pants, swim wear, absorbent underpants, adultincontinence product, feminine hygiene product, protective medical gown,surgical medical gown, cap, gloves, drape, face mask, laboratory coat,or coveralls, for example. For ease of explanation, the followingdescription is in terms of a pant-like garment 100, such as a child'straining pant, having the elastic composite laminate 30 adjacent each ofthe leg openings 110.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 1, a disposable absorbent garment 100, such asa child's training pant, includes a chassis 120. The chassis 120suitably includes an outer cover 122, a body side liner 124, and anabsorbent assembly (not shown) positioned between the outer cover andthe body side liner. The chassis 120 defines a waist opening 108 and twoleg openings 110. An elastomeric composite laminate 30 is applied to thechassis 120 adjacent each of the leg openings 110, and possibly adjacentthe waist opening 108 as well, to provide elasticity. Tension in theelastomeric composite laminate 30 may be controlled, as explained ingreater detail below.

[0049] An elastomeric composite 20 alone is illustrated in FIG. 5. Asshown, the elastomeric composite 20 includes an elastomeric adhesivefilm 22 with a number of elastic reinforcing strands 24 adhered to andpartially embedded therein. Tension within the elastomeric composite 20may be controlled through percentage stretch of the strands 24 prior toadhesion to the elastomeric adhesive film 22, through percentage stretchof the film 22 prior to adhesion to the strands 24, and/or through theamount of strand add-on or thickness, with greater stretch and greateradd-on or thickness each resulting in higher tension. Tension can alsobe controlled through selection of the film composition, selection ofthe strand composition, and/or by varying strand geometries and/orspacing between strands. It will be appreciated that the strands 24 maybe laid out periodically, non-periodically, and in various spacings,groupings, and sizes, according to the effect desired from the composite20 and the use to which it is put.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 6, for example, a group of strands 24 in oneregion of the composite 20 can be spaced apart much more closely thananother group of strands 24, resulting in greater tension in the regionin which the strands 24 are more closely spaced. For instance, the moreclosely spaced strands may be positioned closer to an edge of thegarment opening while the more distantly spaced strands may bepositioned inward from the edge to provide a sort of transitionalelasticized area.

[0051] As another example, FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view ofthe composite 20 having unequally sized elastic strands 24 with somestrands having a larger diameter, and thus higher tension, than others.While referred to as being of different diameter, it will be appreciatedthat the strands 24 need not be circular in cross-section within thecontext of this invention. Furthermore, the strands 24 of different sizeor composition may be intermingled within groupings in regular orirregular patterns.

[0052] The elastomeric adhesive film 22 is suitably made up of anelastomeric, hot melt, pressure-sensitive adhesive having an adhesivebond strength, as determined by the test method set forth below, of atleast 50 grams force per inch (2.54 cm) width, suitably of at least 100grams force per inch (2.54 cm) width, alternatively of at least 300grams force per inch (2.54 cm) width, alternatively of at least fromabout 100 grams force per inch (2.54 cm) width to about 400 grams forceper inch width. An example of a suitable elastomeric adhesive film 22may be made up of 35 wt % PICOLYTE S115 and 65 wt % KRATON G2760. Theelastomeric, hot melt, pressure-sensitive adhesive may be applied to achill roll or similar device, in the form of a strand or ribbon. Thestrand or ribbon is then stretched and thinned to form the film 22. Thefilm suitably has a thickness of about 0.001 inch (0.025 mm) to about0.05 inch (1.27 mm), alternatively of from about 0.001 inch (0.025 mm)to about 0.01 inch (0.25 mm), and a width of from about 0.05 inch (1.27mm) to about 3.0 inches (7.62 cm), alternatively of from about 0.5 inch(1.27 cm) to about 1.5 inches (3.81 cm). The elastomeric, adhesive film22 may also be capable of imparting barrier properties in anapplication.

[0053] Suitable elastomeric, hot melt, pressure-sensitive adhesives fromwhich the elastomeric adhesive film 22 may be made include elastomericpolymers, tackifying resins, plasticizers, oils and antioxidants.

[0054] One particular formulation of the elastomer adhesive film 22includes a base polymer and a tackifier resin. The composition may alsoinclude additional additives. The choice of polymer and tackifier isimportant, as is the ratio of polymer or copolymers to tackifier.Another important consideration is the ratio of additives to tackifier.

[0055] The base polymer suitably has a styrene content of between about15% and about 45%, or between about 18% and about 30%, by weight of thebase polymer. The base polymer may achieve the styrene content either byblending different polymers having different styrene co-monomer levelsor by including a single base polymer that has the desired styreneco-monomer level. Generally, the higher the styrene co-monomer level is,the higher the tension is.

[0056] The base polymer may includepolystyrene-polyethylene-polypropylene-polystyrene (SEPS) blockcopolymer, styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS), styrene-butadiene-styrene(SBS) block copolymer, as well as combinations of any of these. Oneexample of a suitable SEPS copolymer is available from Kraton Polymersof Belpre, Ohio, under the trade designation KRATON® G 2760. One exampleof a suitable SIS copolymer is available from Dexco, a division ofExxon-Mobil, under the trade designation VECTOR™. Suitably, the filmcomposition includes the base polymer in an amount between about 30% andabout 65% by weight of the composition.

[0057] The tackifier may include hydrocarbons from petroleumdistillates, rosin, rosin esters, polyterpenes derived from wood,polyterpenes derived from synthetic chemicals, as well as combinationsof any of these. A key element of the film composition is a tackifier.An example of a suitable tackifier is available from Hercules Inc. ofWilmington, Del., under the trade designation PICOLYTE™ S115. Suitably,the composition includes the tackifier in an amount between about 30%and about 70% by weight of the composition.

[0058] Other additives may be included in the film composition as well.In addition to the adhesion provided by the tackifier, various additivesmay provide instantaneous surface tackiness and pressure sensitivecharacteristics as well as reduced melt viscosity. One example of aparticularly suitable low softening point additive is PICOLYTE™ S25tackifier, available from Hercules Inc., having a softening point in arange around 25 degrees Celsius, or paraffin wax having a melting pointof about 65 degrees Celsius may also be used.

[0059] Additionally, an antioxidant may be included in the filmcomposition, suitably in an amount between about 0.1% and about 1.0% byweight of the composition. One example of a suitable antioxidant isavailable from Ciba Specialty Chemicals under the trade designationIRGANOX™ 1010.

[0060] The elastomeric adhesive film 22 suitably has an elongation of atleast 50 percent, alternatively of at least 150 percent, alternativelyof from about 50 percent to about 200 percent, and a tension force ofless than about 400 grams force per inch (2.54 cm) width, alternativelyof less than about 275 grams force per inch (2.54 cm) width,alternatively of from about 100 grams force per inch (2.54 cm) width toabout 250 grams force per inch (2.54 cm) width. Tension force, as usedherein, is determined one minute after stretching the film to 100%elongation.

[0061] The elastomeric adhesive film 22 is capable not only ofintroducing a degree of elasticity to facing materials but is alsocapable of providing a construction adhesive function. That is, the film22 adheres together the facing materials or other components with whichit is in contact. It is also possible that the film does not constrictupon cooling but, instead, tends to retract to approximately itsoriginal dimension after being elongated during use in a product.

[0062] Materials suitable for use in preparing the elastic reinforcingstrands 24 include raw polymers, a mixture of polymers, as well astackified polymers. More specifically, the elastic reinforcing strands24 may include diblock, triblock, tetrablock, or other multi-blockelastomeric copolymers such as olefinic copolymers, includingethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM), styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS),styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene(SEBS), or styrene-ethylene/propylene-styrene (SEPS), which may beobtained from the Kraton Polymers of Belpre, Ohio, under the tradedesignation KRATON® elastomeric resin or from Dexco, a division ofExxon-Mobil, under the trade designation VECTOR® (SIS polymers);polyurethanes, including those available from E. I. Du Pont de NemoursCo., under the trade name LYCRA® polyurethane; polyamides, includingpolyether block amides available from Ato Chemical Company, under thetrade name PEBAX® polyether block amide; polyesters, such as thoseavailable from E. I. Du Pont de Nemours Co., under the trade nameHYTREL® polyester; polyisoprene; cross-linked polybutadiene; andsingle-site or metallocene-catalyzed polyolefins having density lessthan about 0.89 grams/cubic centimeter, available from Dow Chemical Co.under the trade name AFFINITY®. The elastic reinforcing strands 24 mayalso include a tackifier. The tackifier may include hydrocarbons frompetroleum distillates, rosin, rosin esters, polyterpenes derived fromwood, polyterpenes derived from synthetic chemicals, as well ascombinations of any of these.

[0063] A number of block copolymers can also be used to prepare theelastic reinforcing strands 24 used in this invention. Such blockcopolymers generally include an elastomeric midblock portion B and athermoplastic endblock portion A. The block copolymers may also bethermoplastic in the sense that they can be melted, formed, andresolidified several times with little or no change in physicalproperties (assuming a minimum of oxidative degradation). Alternatively,the elastic strands 24 can be made of a polymer that is not thermallyprocessable, such as LYCRA® spandex, available from E. I. Du Pont deNemours Co., or cross-linked natural rubber in film or fiber form.Thermoset polymers and polymers such as spandex, unlike thethermoplastic polymers, once cross-linked cannot be thermally processed,but can be obtained on a spool or other form and can be stretched andapplied to the strands in the same manner as thermoplastic polymers. Asanother alternative, the elastic strands 24 can be made of a thermosetpolymer, such as AFFINITY®, available from Dow Chemical Co., that can beprocessed like a thermoplastic, i.e. stretched and applied, and thentreated with radiation, such as electron beam radiation, gammaradiation, or UV radiation to cross-link the polymer, or use polymersthat have functionality built into them such that they can bemoisture-cured to cross-link the polymer, thus resulting in a polymerand the enhanced mechanical properties of a thermoset.

[0064] Endblock portion A may include a poly(vinylarene), such aspolystyrene. Midblock portion B may include a substantially amorphouspolyolefin such as polyisoprene, ethylene/propylene polymers,ethylene/butylenes polymers, polybutadiene, and the like, or mixturesthereof.

[0065] Suitable block copolymers useful in this invention include atleast two substantially polystyrene endblock portions and at least onesubstantially ethylene/butylenes mid-block portion. A commerciallyavailable example of such a linear block copolymer is available fromKraton Polymers under the trade designation KRATON® G1657 elastomericresin. Another suitable elastomer is KRATON® G2760. Yet another suitableelastomer is an SIS triblock copolymer available from Dexco, a divisionof Exxon-Mobil, under the trade designation VECTOR®.

[0066] The elastic reinforcing strands 24 may also contain blends ofelastic and inelastic polymers, or of two or more elastic polymers,provided that the blend exhibits elastic properties. The strands 24 aresubstantially continuous in length. The strands 24 may have a circularcross-section but, as previously mentioned, may alternatively have othercross-sectional geometries such as elliptical, rectangular, triangularor multi-lobal. In one embodiment, one or more of the elasticreinforcing strands 24 may be in the form of elongated, rectangularstrips produced from a film extrusion die having a plurality of slottedopenings. Suitably, the strands include make up about 5% to about 50%,or about 10% to about 35%, or about 15% to about 25% by weight of thefilm and the elastic strands combined.

[0067] The elastic composite laminate 30 included in the garment 100 ofthe invention suitably includes the above-described elastic composites20 sandwiched between a facing sheet 32 and a substrate 34 of thegarment 100, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Facing materials and substratematerials may be formed using conventional processes, including thespunbond and meltblowing processes described in the DEFINITIONS. Forexample, the facing sheet 32 and/or substrate 34 may include aspunbonded web having a basis weight of about 0.1-4.0 ounces per squareyard (osy), suitably 0.2-2.0 osy, or about 0.4-0.6 osy. As anotherexample, the facing sheet 32 and/or substrate 34 may include anon-porous polyolefin film, such as outer cover material, or acombination of film and spunbond material. The facing sheet 32 andsubstrate 34 may include the same or similar materials or differentmaterials. Examples of suitable types of facing sheet 32 and substrate34 combinations include at least one sheet of spunbond and at least onesheet of film, or two sheets of film, or two sheets of spunbond. One ormore facing sheets 32 may be present in the laminate 30. For example,the laminate may include two facing sheets 32, one on each surface ofthe elastic composite 20, and the laminate may then be attached to thegarment with one of the facing sheets 32 bonded to the substrate 34.

[0068] The substrate 34 is suitably the outer cover 122, the body sideliner 124, or any other material of the garment 100 that forms theopening to which the elastomeric composite laminate 30 is attached. Theouter cover 122, for example, desirably includes a material that issubstantially liquid impermeable, and can be elastic, stretchable ornonstretchable. The outer cover 122 can be a single layer of liquidimpermeable material, but desirably includes a multi-layered laminatestructure in which at least one of the layers is liquid impermeable. Forinstance, the outer cover 122 can include a liquid permeable outer layerand a liquid impermeable inner layer that are suitably joined togetherby a laminate adhesive (not shown). Suitable laminate adhesives, whichcan be applied continuously or intermittently as beads, a spray,parallel swirls, or the like, can be obtained from Findley Adhesives,Inc., of Wauwatosa, Wis., U.S.A., or from National Starch and ChemicalCompany, Bridgewater, N.J., U.S.A. The liquid permeable outer layer canbe any suitable material and desirably one that provides a generallycloth-like texture. One example of such a material is a 20 gsm (gramsper square meter) spunbond polypropylene nonwoven web. The outer layermay also be made of those materials of which the body-side liner 124 ismade. While it is not a necessity for the outer layer to be liquidpermeable, it is desired that it provides a relatively cloth-liketexture to the wearer.

[0069] The inner layer of the outer cover 122 can be both liquid andvapor impermeable, or can be liquid impermeable and vapor permeable. Theinner layer is desirably manufactured from a thin plastic film, althoughother flexible liquid impermeable materials may also be used. The innerlayer, or the liquid impermeable outer cover 122 when a single layer,prevents waste material from wetting articles, such as bedsheets andclothing, as well as the wearer and care giver. A suitable liquidimpermeable film for use as a liquid impermeable inner layer, or asingle layer liquid impermeable outer cover 122, is a 0.2 millimeterpolyethylene film commercially available from Huntsman Packaging ofNewport News, Va., U.S.A. If the outer cover 122 is a single layer ofmaterial, it can be embossed and/or matte finished to provide a morecloth-like appearance. The liquid impermeable material can permit vaporsto escape from the interior of the garment, while still preventingliquids from passing through the outer cover 122. A suitable“breathable” material is composed of a microporous polymer film or anonwoven fabric that has been coated or otherwise treated to impart adesired level of liquid impermeability. A suitable microporous film is aPMP-1 film material commercially available from Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals,Inc., Tokyo, Japan, or an XKO-8044 polyolefin film commerciallyavailable from 3M Company, Minneapolis, Minn.

[0070] The body side liner 124 suitably overlies the outer cover 122 andabsorbent assembly, and may but need not have the same dimensions as theouter cover 122. The body side liner 124 is desirably compliant, softfeeling, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. Further, the body sideliner 124 can be less hydrophilic than the absorbent assembly, topresent a relatively dry surface to the wearer and permit liquid toreadily penetrate through its thickness.

[0071] The body side liner 124 can be manufactured from a wide selectionof web materials, such as synthetic fibers (for example, polyester orpolypropylene fibers), natural fibers (for example, wood or cottonfibers), a combination of natural and synthetic fibers, porous foams,reticulated foams, apertured plastic films, or the like. Various wovenand nonwoven fabrics can be used for the body side liner 124. Forexample, the body side liner can be composed of a meltblown orspunbonded web of polyolefin fibers. The body side liner can also be abonded-carded web composed of natural and/or synthetic fibers. The bodyside liner can be composed of a substantially hydrophobic material, andthe hydrophobic material can, optionally, be treated with a surfactantor otherwise processed to impart a desired level of wettability andhydrophilicity. For example, the material can be surface treated withabout 0.45 weight percent of a surfactant mixture including AHCOVEL®N-62 available from Uniqema Inc., a division of ICI of New Castle, Del.,U.S.A. and GLUCOPON® 220UP available from Cognis Corporation of Ambler,Pa., and produced in Cincinnati, Ohio, in an active ratio of 3:1.

[0072] A suitable liquid permeable body side liner 124 is a nonwovenbicomponent web having a basis weight of about 27 gsm. The nonwovenbicomponent can be a spunbond bicomponent web, or a bonded cardedbicomponent web. Suitable bicomponent staple fibers include apolyethylene/polypropylene bicomponent fiber available from CHISSOCorporation, Osaka, Japan. In this particular bicomponent fiber, thepolypropylene forms the core and the polyethylene forms the sheath ofthe fiber. Other fiber orientations are possible, such as multi-lobe,side-by-side, end-to-end, or the like.

[0073] Pant-like garments, such as the training pant shown in FIG. 1,may include a pair of containment flaps 126 which are configured toprovide a barrier to the transverse flow of body exudates. Thecontainment flaps 126 can serve as the substrate 34 in the garment ofthe invention such that the elastomeric composite 20 attaches a facingsheet 32 to each containment flap 126. The elastomeric compositelaminate 30 along the edge of each containment flap 126 defines anunattached edge which assumes an upright, generally perpendicularconfiguration in at least the crotch region of the training pant to forma seal against the wearer's body. Suitable constructions andarrangements for the containment flaps are generally well known to thoseskilled in the art and are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,704,116 issuedNov. 3, 1987, to Enloe, which is incorporated herein by reference.Additionally, the elastomeric composite 20 may attach a facing sheet 32around each leg opening 110 to form leg cuffs 128. In certainembodiments, the elastomeric composite laminate 30 may be present in thecontainment flaps, the leg cuffs, or both the containment flaps and theleg cuffs.

[0074] If the facing sheets 32 and/or substrate 34 are to be applied tothe composite 20 without first being stretched, the facing sheets and/orsubstrate may or may not be capable of being stretched in at least onedirection in order to produce an elasticized area. For example, thefacing sheets and/or substrate could be necked, or gathered, in order toallow them to be stretched after application of the elastic composite.Various post treatments, such as treatment with grooved rolls, whichalter the mechanical properties of the material, are also suitable foruse.

[0075]FIG. 10 illustrates a method and apparatus for making an elasticcomposite laminate 30 for incorporation into the garment 100 of theinvention. While FIG. 10 illustrates a composite VF SBL process it willbe appreciated that other processes consistent with the presentinvention may be used. A first extruder 36 produces reinforcing strandsof elastic material 38 through a filament die 40. The strands 38 are fedto a first chill roller 42 and stretched while conveyed verticallytowards a nip 44 by one or more first fly rollers 46 in thestrand-producing line. For example, the strands may be stretched betweenabout 300% and about 1000%; alternatively, the strands may be stretchedbetween about 500% and about 800%. Another process parameter is theadd-on rate. More specifically, the elastic strands may be adhered to,and partially embedded in, the elastomeric adhesive film at an add-onrate of between about 5 and about 50 grams per minute before stretching.

[0076] A second extruder 48 using a slotted film die 50 produces theelastomeric adhesive film 52, which is fed onto a second chill roller 54and conveyed to one or more second fly rollers 56 towards the nip 44.The film 52 may be stretched down to a narrower width and thinned by thesecond fly rollers 56 during its passage to the nip 44. The nip 44 isformed by opposing first and second nip rollers 58, 60. The elasticcomposite 20 is formed by adhering the strands 38 to the elastomericadhesive film 52 in the nip 44.

[0077]FIG. 11 illustrates a VF SBL process in which no fly rollers 46,56 are used. Instead, the elastomeric adhesive film 52 is extruded ontochill roller 54. The strands 38 are extruded onto chill roller 42 wherethe strands 38 and the elastomeric adhesive film 52 converge. Thestrands 38 and the elastomeric adhesive film 52 are stretched betweenthe chill rollers 42, 54 and the nip 44. Except for the lack of flyrollers, the processes of FIGS. 10 and 11 are similar. In either case,the strands 38 and the elastomeric adhesive film 52 together arelaminated between a first facing layer 62 and a second facing layer 64at the nip 44.

[0078] In order to form the elastic composite laminate 30, first andsecond rolls 66 and 68, respectively, of spunbond facing material orother suitable facing material are fed into the nip 44 on either side ofthe elastic composite and are bonded by the adhesive present in theelastic composite. The facing material might also be made in situ ratherthan unrolled from previously-made rolls of material. While illustratedas having two lightweight gatherable spunbond facings, it will beappreciated that only one facing material, or various types of facingmaterials, may be used. Furthermore, one, or both, of the facingmaterials may be used as a substrate to form the garment of theinvention. The elastic composite laminate 30 can be maintained in astretched condition by a pair of tensioning rollers 70, 72 downstream ofthe nip 44 and then relaxed as at Ref. No. 74 (FIG. 10).

[0079] The resulting elastic composite laminates 30 are particularlyuseful in providing elasticity in the garment 100 of the invention. Moreparticularly, the elastic composite laminates provide better fit andcomfort, as well as less leakage and more tension control compared toconventional elastic strands and elastic strand laminates. Also, byincorporating the strands within the film, the tension load on theresulting laminate is distributed among the entire width of the elasticcomposite instead of being concentrated on the individual strands.Furthermore, because the strands are incorporated within the film, theelastic composite laminate can be die-cut into virtually any shape toprovide enhanced fit and comfort without losing tension.

[0080] The laminates used in the garment of this invention are lesslikely to undergo tension decay or delamination compared to similarlaminates lacking the reinforcing strands, as demonstrated in theexample below. The tension retaining capability of the laminates insuresproduct performance and reduces or eliminates leakage during use.Furthermore, the reinforcing strands enable the composite tension to betunable while preserving the soft feel and aesthetic properties of thelaminate. Thus, elastic composite laminates can be produced with adesired fit or gasket-like quality in the garment without causing redmarks on a wearer's skin due to excessive tension, while preserving thesoft and gentle feel and improved adhesion of the laminate.

Test Methods

[0081] Adhesive Bond Strength

[0082] The adhesive bond strength of the elastomeric adhesive film ofthe present invention is determined as follows. A test sample of theelastic composite laminate having dimensions of about 2.0 inches (5.08cm) wide by about 4.0 inches (10.16 cm) long, or as large as possibletip to this size, is used for testing. The adhesive bond strength isdetermined through the use of a tensile tester, such as a SINTECHtensile tester commercially available from the Sintech Co., Carry, N.C.,Model No. 11. A 90 degree peel adhesion test is run in order todetermine the grams of force needed to pull apart the first and secondlayers of facing sheet of the laminate. Specifically, 1.25 inches (3.175cm) or more of the 4-inch length of the test sample has the first andsecond layers of facing sheet peeled apart. The first facing sheet isthen clamped in the upper jaw of the tensile tester, and the secondfacing sheet is clamped in the lower jaw of the tensile tester.

[0083] The tensile tester is set to the following conditions:

[0084] Crosshead speed: 300 millimeters per minute

[0085] Full-scale load: 5,000 grams

[0086] Start measurements: 10 millimeters

[0087] Gauge length (jaw spacings): 1.0 inch (2.54 cm)

[0088] The Instron tensile tester is then engaged. The test isterminated after approximately 100 millimeters on a 2-inch by 2-inchsample. Twenty data points per second are collected for a total of about400 data points. The average of these data points is reported as theadhesive bond strength. The results from the tensile tester arenormalized to a sample having a width of 1 inch. At least three testsamples are subjected to the above testing with the results beingaveraged and normalized to produce the reported adhesive bond strength.

[0089] Elongation

[0090] The elongation of an elastic composite laminate according to thepresent invention is suitably determined as follows. A 1-inch wide by4-inch long sample of the laminate is provided. The central 3-inch (7.62cm) area of the sample is marked. The test sample is then stretched toits maximum length, and the distance between the marks is measured andrecorded as the “stretched to stop length.” The percent elongation isdetermined according to the following formula:

{(stretched to stop length(in inches))−3}/3×100

[0091] If a 1-inch by 4-inch area is not available, the largest samplepossible (but less than 1-inch by 4-inches) is used for testing with themethod being adjusted accordingly.

[0092] Tension Force

[0093] The tension force of an elastic composite laminate according tothe present invention is determined on a test sample of the laminatehaving a width of 1 inch (2.54 cm) and a length of 3 inches (7.62 cm). Atest apparatus having a fixed clamp and an adjustable clamp is provided.The adjustable clamp is equipped with a strain gauge commerciallyavailable from S. A. Mieier Co. under the trade designation ChatillonDFIS2 digital force gauge. The test apparatus can elongate the testsample to a given length. One longitudinal end of the test sample isclamped in the fixed clamp of the test apparatus with the oppositelongitudinal end being clamped in the adjustable clamp fitted with thestrain gauge. The test sample is elongated to 90 percent of itselongation (as determined by the test method set forth above). Thetension force is read from the digital force gauge after 1 minute. Atleast three samples of the elasticized area are tested in this mannerwith the results being averaged and reported as grams force per inchwidth.

EXAMPLE 1

[0094] In this example, a strand-reinforced laminate material (sample B)was made in accordance with the invention and the tension decayproperties were compared to a control (sample A) having the sameelastomeric adhesive film composition without the elastic strands. Ineach case, the film add-on before stretching to 800% was 80 gsm and theelastomeric adhesive film composition was a mixture of 35 wt % PICOLYTES115 and 65% KRATON G2760, to which 10% Hercules PICOLYTE S25 was added.More particularly, the elastic adhesive film underwent processelongation of between 500% and 800%, resulting in an output basis weightof between 70 and 120 grams per square meter (gsm) before stretchingonto a chill roll having a temperature of 10 to 15 degrees Celsius, froma melt tank having a temperature of up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

[0095] The control spunbond/film/spunbond laminate sample (sample A) wasmade without any reinforcing strands. The test sample (sample B) wasreinforced with VFL extruded strands of tackified SBL styrenic blockcopolymer available under the trade designation KRATON® G 2760 fromKraton Polymers, adhered to the elastic adhesive film. The test samplewas prepared by extruding the strands and the elastomeric adhesive filmon separate chill rolls. The die configuration through which the strandswere extruded had 12 holes per inch with a 0.030 inch diameter opening.The output of the strands in terms of grams per minute (gpm) was 29.5gpm for 120 strands per 10-inch die width, extruded on a chill roll at aspeed of 6-8 feet per minute. Following the chill rolls, the strands andfilm were independently stretched to 700%. Thereafter, the film andstrands were combined with spunbond webs on each side and laminatedcontinuously to produce a material with tunable elastic properties.

[0096] Key process conditions versus physical properties (tension decayand adhesion) are summarized in Table 1. The tension decay was measuredby first measuring the “green” tension at 100% elongation of a 2-inchwide, 5-inch long sample containing 24 strands (no strands in the caseof the control sample). The tension reading was recorded from anelectronic gauge one minute after clamping. After aging the samples at130 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 day, the “aged” tension was then measuredin the, same manner as the green tension and the resulting aged tensionwas compared to the green tension to determine whether, or to whatextent, tension decay occurred. The tension decay value is calculated bythe percent difference between green and aged tension readings. A lowervalue of tension decay is indicative of improved elastic materialperformance. The tension decay of the strand-reinforced composite ismuch lower (12.8%) than in the case of no strands (62%). In either casethe formulation has excellent adhesion properties with no indications ofdelamination after continued aging at 130 degrees Fahrenheit for 2weeks. By exhibiting no delamination, it is meant that the laminatescannot be peeled apart without facing material failure. In this Example,delamination was visually determined as opposed to carrying out a peeltest. Visual observations focused on the presence of any air pocketsdetected between layers of the laminate.

[0097] Tension of the elastic composite is tunable by varying the strandadd-on and stretch percentage, with greater add-on and greater stretchboth resulting in greater tension. Sample observations further revealthat soft feel and aesthetic properties of the laminates are preservedwith the addition of the strands. TABLE 1 Comparison of Tension Decayand Adhesion Properties of Novel Elastic Composite Laminates OutputGreen Aged of tension tension ex- Strand (grams), (grams) Ten- trudedprocess 2-inch 1 day sion strands stretch wide at decay Aged sampleSample (gpm) (%) sample 130° F. (%) observations A None — 340 130 62.0No (control) delamination B 29.5 700 350 305 12.8 No (strandeddelamination com- posite)

EXAMPLE 2

[0098] In this example, the strand-reinforced laminate material (sampleB) of Example 1 was incorporated into the leg cuff portion of a personalcare garment, as indicated by the reference number 30 in FIG. 1. The“in-product” tension properties were evaluated and compared toconventional spunbonded laminates (SBL) and Lycra laminates (includingLycra strands adhered with elastic attachment adhesive). The“in-product” tension values of the elasticized laminate compositeportion of the personal care garment are shown in Table 2 and weremeasured as follows.

[0099] The garment was extended flat on a lightbox and clamped at oneend while a 1000 gram weight in the form of a bar was attached at theother end, resulting in stretching of the material in the machinedirection. Two marks corresponding to a discrete gauge length value inthe range of 4-7 inches were placed on the stretched elastic portion.The weight was removed and the retracted elastic laminate composite wascut out from the product, normally as a 1-inch wide strip. The cutelastic strip was mounted in a Chantillon tension gauge and stretched to90% of gauge length. The tension in grams was recorded after aone-minute waiting period. The elasticized strips were evaluated fortension before and after the product was worn at body temperature inorder to evaluate the degree of tension decay as a result of wearing thearticle. A lower degree of tension decay (as measured by the percentagedifference between post-wear and pre-wear) is indicative of a betterperforming elastic material. Tension measurements before and after wearshow a significant drop for conventional SBL laminate control (˜22%).The tension drop for the other control of conventional Lycra laminatewas significant as well (˜10%). However, the laminate made from thestrand-reinforced elastomeric adhesive film of the invention had notension loss and actually gained some tension as a result of wearing atbody temperature. The elastic adhesive laminate of the invention with notension loss provides superior gasketing performance compared toconventional materials. TABLE 2 Comparative Tension of Laminates Tension(grams), Tension (grams), Material before wear after wear % differenceSBL laminate 127.5 104.5 −22.0 Lycra laminate 120.8 109.4 −10.0Strand-reinforced 141.5 144.6 +2.1 laminate

[0100] It will be appreciated that details of the foregoing embodiments,given for purposes of illustration, are not to be construed as limitingthe scope of this invention. Although only a few exemplary embodimentsof this invention have been described in detail above, those skilled inthe art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible inthe exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all suchmodifications are intended to be included within the scope of thisinvention, which is defined in the following claims and all equivalentsthereto. Further, it is recognized that many embodiments may beconceived that do not achieve all of the advantages of some embodiments,particularly of the preferred embodiments, yet the absence of aparticular advantage shall not be construed to necessarily mean thatsuch an embodiment is outside the scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A garment having at least one opening for a bodypart, the garment comprising: a substrate defining the at least oneopening; and an elastomeric composite attaching a facing sheet to thesubstrate adjacent the at least one opening, the elastomeric compositeincluding a plurality of extruded elastic strands adhered to anelastomeric adhesive film.
 2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the facingsheet comprises at least one of a nonwoven web and a film.
 3. Thegarment of claim 1, wherein the plurality of elastic strands comprisesat least one of a group consisting of raw polymers, a mixture ofpolymers, and tackified polymers.
 4. The garment of claim 1, wherein theplurality of elastic strands comprises at least one of a groupconsisting of elastomeric polymer compositions, tackified polymers,olefinic copolymers, ethylene-propylene-diene monomer,styrene-isoprene-styrene, styrene-butadiene-styrene,styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene, styrene-ethylene/propylene-styrene,polyurethane, polyisoprene, cross-linked polybutadiene, and combinationsthereof.
 5. The garment of claim 1, wherein the plurality of elasticstrands comprises a tackifier including at least one type of hydrocarbonselected from a group consisting of petroleum distillates, rosin, rosinesters, polyterpenes derived from wood, polyterpenes derived fromsynthetic chemicals, and combinations thereof.
 6. The garment of claim1, wherein the elastomeric adhesive film comprises an elastomeric, hotmelt, pressure-sensitive adhesive.
 7. The garment of claim 1, whereinthe plurality of elastic strands comprises between about 5% and about50% by weight of the film and the elastic strands combined.
 8. Thegarment of claim 1, wherein the plurality of elastic strands comprisesbetween about 10% and about 35% by weight of the film and the elasticstrands combined.
 9. The garment of claim 1, wherein the garment is oneselected from a group consisting of personal care garments, medicalgarments, and industrial workwear garments.
 10. The garment of claim 1,wherein the garment is one selected from a group consisting of diapers,training pants, swim wear, absorbent underpants, adult incontinenceproducts, feminine hygiene products, protective medical gowns, surgicalmedical gowns, caps, gloves, drapes, face masks, laboratory coats, andcoveralls.
 11. The garment of claim 1, wherein the at least one openingcomprises a neck opening.
 12. The garment of claim 1, wherein the atleast one opening comprises a wrist opening.
 13. The garment of claim 1,wherein the at least one opening comprises an arm opening.
 14. Thegarment of claim 1, wherein the at least one opening comprises a waistopening.
 15. The garment of claim 1, wherein the at least one openingcomprises a leg opening.
 16. The garment of claim 15, wherein thesubstrate comprises a leg-cuff.
 17. The garment of claim 15, wherein thesubstrate comprises a containment flap.
 18. The garment of claim 1,wherein the at least one opening comprises an ankle opening.
 19. Apant-like garment comprising: a chassis including a substrate anddefining a waist opening and two leg openings; and an elastomericcomposite attaching a facing sheet to the substrate adjacent each of theleg openings, the elastomeric composite including a plurality ofextruded elastic strands adhered to an elastomeric adhesive film. 20.The garment of claim 19, wherein the facing sheet comprises at least oneof a nonwoven web and a film.
 21. The garment of claim 19, wherein theplurality of elastic strands comprises at least one of a groupconsisting of raw polymers, a mixture of polymers, and tackifiedpolymers.
 22. The garment of claim 19, wherein the plurality of elasticstrands comprises at least one of a group consisting of elastomericpolymer compositions, tackified polymers, olefinic copolymers,ethylene-propylene-diene monomer, styrene-isoprene-styrene,styrene-butadiene-styrene, styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene,styrene-ethylene/propylene-styrene, polyurethane, polyisoprene,cross-linked polybutadiene, and combinations thereof.
 23. The garment ofclaim 19, wherein the plurality of elastic strands comprises a tackifierincluding at least one type of hydrocarbon selected from a groupconsisting of petroleum distillates, rosin, rosin esters, polyterpenesderived from wood, polyterpenes derived from synthetic chemicals, andcombinations thereof.
 24. The garment of claim 19, wherein theelastomeric adhesive film comprises an elastomeric, hot melt,pressure-sensitive adhesive.
 25. A pant-like garment comprising: achassis including a substrate and defining a waist opening and two legopenings; and an elastomeric composite attaching a facing sheet to thesubstrate adjacent each of the leg openings, the elastomeric compositeincluding a plurality of extruded elastic strands at least partiallyembedded in an elastomeric adhesive film.
 26. The garment of claim 25,wherein the facing sheet comprises at least one of a nonwoven web and afilm.
 27. The garment of claim 25, wherein the plurality of elasticstrands comprises at least one of a group consisting of raw polymers, amixture of polymers, and tackified polymers.
 28. The garment of claim25, wherein the plurality of elastic strands comprises at least one of agroup consisting of elastomeric polymer compositions, tackifiedpolymers, olefinic copolymers, ethylene-propylene-diene monomer,styrene-isoprene-styrene, styrene-butadiene-styrene,styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene, styrene-ethylene/propylene-styrene,polyurethane, polyisoprene, cross-linked polybutadiene, and combinationsthereof.
 29. The garment of claim 25, wherein the plurality of elasticstrands comprises a tackifier including at least one type of hydrocarbonselected from a group consisting of petroleum distillates, rosin, rosinesters, polyterpenes derived from wood, polyterpenes derived fromsynthetic chemicals, and combinations thereof.
 30. The garment of claim25, wherein the elastomeric adhesive film comprises an elastomeric, hotmelt, pressure-sensitive adhesive.